User(s) Profile

Users of this device include people with widely varied demographics. According to Dr. Goldberg during the client interview, user profiles vary in age, race, and gender.

User Observation

Methodology

The user observation took place in the Athletico office where patients regularly go to perform their physical therapy exercises. We spoke with Dr. Tran as she demoed common exercises that her patients do. We witnessed her attempting to tie and untie knots in therapy bands. We then observed a patient using a therapy band as part of her regular routine. Finally, we talked to one of Dr. Tran’s associates who demonstrated different products they purchase and how they are used. 

Information about therapy bands

  • The bands are purchased in spools of approximately 100 yds., for about 100-150 dollars
  • The bands are available in a myriad of color coated options, with each color denoting a unique level of resistance
  • A variant of the band comes in consecutive loops, with two bands being melted together at equal increments to create a series of loops. These bands break easily, and cannot be knotted. 

User observation table

  • When shadowing at Athletico, we witnessed the following demographics using the therabands
    • A white younger to middle aged woman from Chicago
    • An older woman who works at Northwestern graduate school downtown
Observations Opportunities Follow Up
The patient was observed doing an exercise known as monster walks, during which a band is placed around the ankles (or knees) of a patient, thus causing resistance as the patient walks sideways, keeping their knees (or ankles) apart.  The elastic band often causes blisters or burns from rubbing along patients’ skin. There is an opportunity here to keep the band from creating so much friction against the patients’ skin.  Possibly create a soft lining or coating for the inside of the band; create a clasp that keeps the band from bunching. 
Many bands were hooked to the wall for patients to pull on. Many of the said bands had torn, and the knots of the torn bands were still on the hooks.  Create a clasp or buckle which includes the ability to be easily hooked or mounted to a wall.  Make a design and test its viability for retaining an elastic band to a wall.